Connecting Communities with Nature and Opportunity: Green Connections Trafford
Green Connections Trafford was delivered between January and March 2026, working with local partners and community networks to connect residents with nature, improve wellbeing, and raise awareness of opportunities within the green economy.
The project focused on two key strands:
- Weekly Wellbeing Sessions at Trafford Ecology Park
- Green Skills Awareness Workshops
Together, these activities supported residents facing barriers including poor mental health, social isolation, and economic inactivity, while promoting connection, confidence, and future opportunities.
Weekly Wellbeing Sessions
A 10-week programme brought local residents together at Trafford Ecology Park to take part in nature-based, therapeutic activities designed to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Activities included:
- Group reflection and campfire discussions
- Nature walks and tree identification
- Restorative and therapeutic yoga
- Nature-based crafts
- Shared hot meals
- Signposting and referrals to additional support services
The sessions created a safe, welcoming space where participants could build confidence, improve resilience, and develop strategies to manage day-to-day challenges. Participants were encouraged to check in and check out at the beginning of each session, as reflective and grounding experience. This helped participants
Who we supported:
- Residents experiencing poor mental health
- People aged 50+
- Individuals from ethnic minority communities
15 residents were supported overall, with 7 core participants attended consistently across all 10 weeks.
We also signposted many participants to a variety of further support, with 7 participants referred to employment support, also well as health and wellbeing services.
Participant Story: Sarah
For Sarah, the sessions were an opportunity to reconnect, both with nature and with people. Having previously taken part in a similar programme, she valued the sense of continuity and community.
Through activities like yoga, crafts, and group reflection, Sarah found the space welcoming and inclusive:
“The atmosphere was always welcoming, accepting and gently encouraging.”
Living with chronic pain and neurodivergence, accessibility was key:
“It provided for everyone where they were in that moment.”
The biggest impact came from simply spending time outdoors:
“Being in nature gave me energy rather than taking it away.”
Participant Story: Roger
At 79, Roger already lived an active lifestyle, but the programme offered something new: connection.
“Everybody enjoys being outside, so we have that in common.”
Through the sessions, he deepened his appreciation for nature and enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds:
“It’s nice to meet people I wouldn’t normally meet.”
Roger’s message to others reflects the spirit of the project:
“Get outside, talk with people… you’ll feel the benefit if you give it a go.”
What worked well
The project worked well by creating inclusive and accessible spaces in nature, where participants felt safe, welcomed, and able to engage at their own pace. By combining wellbeing activities with practical opportunities, such as skills development and signposting, the programme supported both immediate mental health needs and longer-term aspirations.
Participant Feedback:
- Satisfaction levels with the workshops: 100% of participants rated the sessions as either ‘extremely satisfied’ or ‘really satisfied’ with the sessions, with over 90% of participants ending the sessions in a better state than when they began.
- Most valued aspects of sessions: Participants consistently reported improved mood and wellbeing after the sessions, even when arriving feeling anxious, low, or isolated. The most valued aspects were the sense of connection and belonging within the group, time spent outdoors in nature, and a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Activities that combined gentle structure with opportunities for reflection also supported growing confidence, reduced anxiety, and ongoing personal development.
- Satisfaction with the tools and materials provided: 100% of participants were also ‘extremely satisfied’ or ‘really satisfied’ with tools provided within the sessions, with an overall score of 9.8/10.
- Areas for Development: Participants suggested several areas for enhancement, including more sessions centered on gardening and plant growth, longer sessions to observe progress, and incorporating breaks every six sessions.
Green Skills Awareness Workshops
Alongside wellbeing sessions, the project delivered workshops to introduce residents to careers in the green economy.
Workshops were delivered in partnership with organisations such as local job centres, schools and existing VCSE and community organisations, such as Gorse Hill studios.
Our work targeted:
- Adults with learning difficulties
- Young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs
- School staff and students
Key activities included:
- Exploring green career pathways through group work
- Guest speakers and sector spotlights from Groundwork and other organisations
- Sharing of accessible online resources
- Interactive activities, such as creating posters and engaging in physical matching exercises
- Personalised support, including signposting to training, jobs, and local opportunities
The workshops aimed to inspire participants while building confidence and employability skills.
United Response
United Response is a national charity that supports autistic people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs. As part of the project, we delivered a Green Skills Awareness workshop tailored to the needs of the group.
Feedback from participants and staff was very positive, highlighting the accessibility and relevance of the session. Participants found the presentation slides, handouts, and visual materials particularly helpful, alongside discussions exploring different green career pathways. The opportunity to learn about new topics and understand the variety of roles within the green sector was also widely valued.
The knowledge and experience of the trainers, as well as contributions from guest speakers, were noted as key strengths, adding depth and real-world insight to the session.
Overall satisfaction with the workshop was high, with an average rating of 4.57 out of 5, and participants rated the session as well resourced (8.71 out of 10).
Additional feedback reinforced the positive experience, with comments including:
- “Overall the session went very well at our office.”
- “I really enjoyed the session, it was good to learn new things.”
- “Excellent, first-rate training.”
This feedback demonstrates the value of delivering accessible, engaging green skills sessions that support diverse groups to explore new opportunities.
What worked well
Strong partnership working and community engagement played a key role in reaching diverse groups and building trust. Importantly, the project also provided clear pathways into further support and services, ensuring participants could continue their journey beyond the programme.
Participant Feedback:
- Satisfaction levels with the workshops: 100% of participants rated their satisfaction as a 4 or 5, giving an average score of 4.43 out of 5.
- Most valued aspects of sessions: We received a variety of positive feedback, with participants saying how useful they found the presentation slides handouts and picture cards, as well as the talks from people in the green sector from Groundwork and partner organisations.
- Satisfaction with the tools and materials provided: 100% of participants gave the resources provided in the sessions an 8 or higher out of 10, with an average score of 8.71.
- Areas for Development: Participants shared several aspects they believed could be improved, including more physical facts sheets and providing some live advertised roles.
Spotlight on: Green Careers Week – Workplace Safari
As part of Green Careers Week in November 2025, the project hosted a Workplace Safari with Year 10 students from Lostock High School.
Students spent the day exploring environmental careers with hands-on activities and interactive sessions, including nature crafts, tree planting and presentations from a variety of Groundwork staff.
Feedback from the school staff was very positive:
“The passion and enthusiasm of the presenters is really infectious. The students loved every second.”
Green Connections Trafford demonstrates the power of combining nature, community, and opportunity. By creating welcoming green spaces and accessible pathways into the green economy, the project supported residents to improve their wellbeing, build connections, and explore new futures.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Trafford Council.
